Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so it’s said. However, that honour isn’t extended to those who imitate a police officer.
Harmit Johal found that out the hard way after he allegedly posed as an undercover RCMP officer to get money from an elderly couple in Newton.
Surrey RCMP say that Johal, 42, told a couple he was investigating a counterfeit money crime and he allegedly defrauded them over two days.
None of the allegations have been proven in court.
Johal has been charged with one count of personating a peace officer and two counts of fraud.
“The public needs to be aware that police will never contact or solicit them for the purpose of checking if their money is counterfeit,” says Surrey RCMP Sgt. Chad Greig. “Never give cash to someone you don’t know or are meeting for the first time. Contact the police immediately to verify any suspicious requests you have received.”
If you have been a victim of a similar occurrence, please contact the Surrey RCMP or your local police. Anyone with information is asked to call Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502, or contact Crime Stoppers if you wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-8477 or www.solvecrime.ca.